First one should realize the times (9th century) in
which the Candi's were built. There was a sympathetic cooperation/competition between
Hinduism and Buddhism. One topic the Buddhists were struggling with is Sakyamuni Buddha's
background. He came from the caste of the Ksatrya's or warriors, while the Hindu's had
Brahmins - one caste higher - at the top of the hierarchy. Secondly, Buddhism was under
threat, the two factors together contributing to looking with a zealous heart to the
coming of a future Savior Buddha.

The Bodhisattva's birth process
(From above down)

When we look at these pictures we may conclude that they are much less
"mysterious" than originally thought. Especially, if we saw Candi Plaosan before
visiting Gebang. The symbolism is that of "Head in Womb". From above down we see
a stupa, a Kala head, a womb-structure (all three Mother symbolism) and a head. I can have
only one conclusion: it is a Bodhisattva, being reborn through the Cosmic Mother (For
additional explanation: see Candi Plaosan)

The strong expectations towards a future Savior may have
contributed to reviving memories from Javanese pre-Hindu and pre-Buddhist times, in which
the "Womb" was the Supreme Cosmic Principle. Later the Prajnaparamita Sutra with
the "Womb of all Buddhas" (meaning "just" Enlightenment), together
with Hindu and Buddhist Tantrism led to a unique blend of Rebirth philosophy. The Linggam
as a central Womb symbol, located in the (Birth/Transformation) inner Chamber of Gebang)
speaks for itself. Altogether it could lead to the assumption, that Gebang was an
expression of the desire for Renewal of Buddhism. Some (J.L.Moens) claim the same for
Borobudur!

The fact that Gebang is a small temple, and that until this
very day is very popular with village people, is maybe an additional point for assuming
that Gebang is rooted in old Javanese people's collective memory....